Bengaluru, January 13, 2026
South star Yash’s upcoming film Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups has landed in controversy weeks before its theatrical release. The recently launched teaser, which revealed Yash’s new look, generated excitement among fans—but it also sparked objections and legal complaints from multiple groups in Karnataka.
Activist Calls Teaser “Obscene and Vulgar”
Karnataka-based social activist Dinesh Kallahalli filed a formal complaint with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), alleging that a sexually suggestive scene inside a car shown in the teaser is “obscene, vulgar, and socially harmful.”
In his complaint to CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi, the activist stated that the teaser contains “extremely obscene, sexually provocative and indecent visuals” that are being widely circulated on social media without any restrictions.
He added that such content may expose minors and young audiences to material that is “legally unacceptable and damaging to public morality.”
Accusation of Violating Constitutional Boundaries
Kallahalli further argued that the teaser violates constitutional limits on freedom of expression. He cited Supreme Court rulings on obscenity and film certification guidelines under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
He asserted that movie teasers, trailers, and promotional materials must adhere to standards of decency, morality, and social responsibility—and therefore urged CBFC to remove the “offensive visuals” and halt its circulation.
Demand for Review and Legal Action
The complaint calls for:
A detailed CBFC review of the teaser
Removal of objectionable scenes
Restrictions on digital circulation
Legal action against the film’s director, producers, and all responsible parties
The activist emphasized that the matter should be treated urgently as it involves public morality, child safety, and legal compliance.
Women’s Commission Also Receives Complaint
The controversy widened as a separate complaint against the teaser was lodged with the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, accusing it of containing explicit content.
The women’s wing of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Karnataka also objected to the teaser, urging state authorities to intervene.
CBFC Issues Clarification
Amid rising criticism, the CBFC released a statement clarifying its position.
The Board said:
It has not reviewed or certified any content from Toxic so far.
Teasers released digitally do not require CBFC certification.
Only the film and its theatrical trailer must be submitted for certification.
The Board emphasized that no decision regarding the movie has been taken yet.
Makers Maintain Silence; Film Set for March Release
The filmmakers have not responded to the complaints or issued a public statement.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups stars Yash in the lead, alongside Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria. Plot details remain under wraps, but the film is scheduled for a March 19 theatrical release.
As the controversy builds, industry watchers anticipate potential legal challenges in the days ahead.
